Stockton’s fear of losing the prison had become a reality. It had been just a year since Rooks County got the crushing news that Schult Homes in Plainville would be closing, with over 100 jobs to be lost. Those affiliated with the minimum-security prison in Stockton had heard rumors of closing for years, but nothing had materialized. But the announcement came February 1, 2009, that the Stockton facility would be closed, which was scheduled for June 30 to coincide with the end of the state’s budget year. The early closing was expected to save the state $339,000. Thirty- three employees would lose their jobs, although all were offered transfers to the Norton facility.

Through an oversight in last week’s issue of this paper, the report neglected to mention that Sam Gadd had opened a watch and jewelry repair shop in the Leader Store. Mr. Gadd, being an old-time resident of this city, is very much known over the county as a specialist in his line of work. Sam has followed this occupation for so long that he cannot stay away from the lure of repair work and wants to work among his former acquaintances. Look for his announcement printed elsewhere in this issue of the Review and Record.

BETTY AND LARRY LALA.

The deadline for candidates to file for the spring elections had passed, and the names of all the Rooks County residents seeking city offices or school board seats was final. No primary election would be necessary, but there were not enough candidates to fill all the open seats in the county, so write-in candidates would play a role in filling those seats.

* And So They Say: Irwin Wright (Eugene, Ore.): “I think Bud Lytle makes the best bread of anyone in the world.” Brad Waller (age 6, watching his mother cook and was asked by her when she was cutting down a recipe, how much half of three-fourths of a cup was): “I don’t know, I haven’t studied cooking yet.” Bill Gouldman: “If Jim Chastain would play better pool, we’d win more games.” Harry Butler: “Usually when I buy a bargain, I figure on getting stung. But once in a while, I get a pleasant surprise.”

Several lodges of Modern Woodmen of the county are making a strenuous drive for new members and the prospects are very birth for a splendid growth. J. T. Dyas of Jewell City and W. W. Honsinger, local deputy and other woodmen boosters in the county have been scouring the care for the past several days. The camps of which there are seven in the county—Woodston, Damar, Palco, Plainville, Webster, Codell and Stockton, have set the mark for 200 new member and it is quite likely in the showdown that the ist will exceed expectations. To stimulate activity among the seven camps, a fine, silk American Flag will be awarded to the camp showing the largest increase in membership fro the drive. Doubtless, each camp is striving hard, or should t, to win this excellent award.

MAKING UP THE SHS 1969-1970 “A” TEAM.

* And So They Say: Milt Boethin: “Well, I really should be doing something even if I do the wrong thing.” Nellie Kern: “Bill’s birthday parties are like the Rooks County Free Fair. They get bigger and better every year.” Clark Stocking: “All I did over the weekend was feed the squirrels.” Judge Gilbert: “I’m back, but I won’t say I’m back to work.” Doyle Cook: “If I didn’t have anything to do but gripe about the kids and criticize the teenagers, I think I’d spend part of that time trying to do something for them or making the town a better place for them to live in.”

A Phillipsburg teenager, Trenton Taylor Hoft, 15, was killed in a one-vehicle accident on Jan. 17, 2009, when the vehicle in which he was a passenger began to skid broadside and then rolled three or four times. In addition to Hoft, the driver and another occupant in the vehicle were all taken to Rooks County Health Center in Plainville. None of the occupants were wearing safety belts.

Addie Cynthia Reeder Feleay passed away peacefully when she closed her earthly career to enter into her eternal reward at the age of 73 years, six months, and three days on January 12th at her daughter’s home.